From 8eecda0700a1213c421fe3c7f87662de24f8a3ab Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Francis Rowe Date: Sun, 23 Aug 2015 11:32:22 -0400 Subject: FAQ: notes about WWAN firmware --- diff --git a/site/faq/index.php b/site/faq/index.php index d8d7f1b..06a0030 100644 --- a/site/faq/index.php +++ b/site/faq/index.php @@ -81,6 +81,7 @@
  • Sound card
  • Web cam
  • USB host controller
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  • WWAN firmware
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    WWAN firmware (#firmware-wwan)

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    + Some laptops might have a simcard reader in them, with a card for handling WWAN, connecting to a 3g/4g (e.g. GSM) network. + This is the same technology used in mobile phones, for remote network access (e.g. internet). +

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    + NOTE: not to be confused with wifi. Wifi is a different technology, and entirely unrelated. +

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    + The baseband processor inside the WWAN chip will have its own embedded operating system, most likely proprietary. Use of this + technology also implies the same privacy issues as with mobile phones (remote tracking by the GSM network, by triangulating the signal). +

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    + On some laptops, these cards use USB (internally), so won't have DMA, but it's still a massive freedom and privacy issue. + If you have an internal WWAN chip/card, the libreboot project recommends that you disable and (ideally, if possible) physically + remove the hardware. If you absolutely must use this technology, an external USB dongle is much better because it can be + easily removed when you don't need it, thereby disabling any external entities from tracking your location. +

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    + Use of ethernet or wifi is recommended, as opposed to mobile networks, as these are generally much safer. +

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